“BIRDIE’S BIG-GIRL DRESS,” by Sujean Rim, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Sept. 5, 2011, $16.99 (ages 4-8)
Tomorrow is Birdie’s birthday party, which means Birdie and her mother are very busy. Tomorrow Birdie will dance to her favorite songs and play her favorite games and share birthday cake with all of her friends.
There’s just one small problem — Birdie’s favorite birthday dress is too small. Mommy promises they’ll find just the right thing for her to wear tomorrow. But when they get to the boutique, the dresses are too big or too snug or too long to dance in. None of them feel right, and Birdie goes home empty-handed.
At home, Birdie has an idea. The attic is a magical place with stylish clothes leftover from her grandparents. Birdie tries on a dress and scarf, and there are lots of hats to choose from. Before she knows it, Birdie has created an ensemble uniquely her own.
At first glance, Birdie seems a bit materialistic and drama prone, but readers need not fear in this follow-up to “Birdie’s Big-Girl Shoes.” Birdie’s more satisfied with filling her imagination than filling her closet, and the different dresses she tries on are as fun as they are extravagant. If you have a little fashionista in your house, “Birdie’s Big-Girl Dress” might just fit the bill.
